What Are Cognitive Skills? 

When individuals improve their mental or cognitive skills, it can be a transformational experience. These complex abilities are invaluable throughout all stages of life, for school-aged learners, adults in the workplace, and anyone else, too. But what are cognitive skills, and how do they differ from other abilities we possess? 

Cognitive skills are what we draw on to activate complex mental thought—as opposed to motor skills, which are used to activate our muscle groups. Motor skills are used for sitting up, walking, bending, running, and other movements that require our larger muscle groups. They also activate smaller muscle groups for precision activities like writing and using tools. 

On the other hand, our cognitive skills are what allow us to activate more abstract mental abilities. These abilities can include thinking, learning, and reading, not to mention decision-making, reasoning, and much more. 

Improving these skills can benefit learners at any age, no matter their existing skills and abilities. At LearningRx, that’s something we work on through brain training—and it all starts with a Cognitive Skills Assessment. Let’s review what that means, and take a closer look at brain skills, too. 

Targeting Cognitive Skills Through Brain Training

What Are Cognitive Skills and How Does Brain Training Help?  

Brain skills, also known as mental skills or cognitive skills, can be categorized in a few different ways. At LearningRx, here’s how we define these core skills: 

• Focus. When focus skills are strong, students can more effectively stay on-task, multitask, and filter out distractions.  
• Long-term memory. This skill is tied to recall, allowing individuals to remember concepts or information that they’ve previously learned.  
• Short-term memory. Also known as working memory, this ability allows a learner to retain complex details as they think or complete a task.  
• Visual processing. This enables learners to think in pictures, to interpret visual data, and to understand visual concepts. 
• Auditory processing. Similar to visual processing, auditory processing allows an individual to process and interpret auditory data or concepts. 
• Processing speed. Processing speed relates to how quickly, easily, and accurately a learner can understand and perform mental tasks.  
• Logic and reasoning. Tied to problem-solving, ideation, and reasoning, these skills are crucial for independent learning.  

When students come to us, we do a comprehensive Cognitive Skills Assessment to understand their existing skill sets as well as those areas where they wish to see gains. Using that information, we can build out a dynamic brain training program that’s specifically customized to each learner. 

Why A One-on-One Approach Matters 

When it comes to cognitive skills, it’s important to understand how widely these abilities can vary from person to person. That’s just one of the reasons that our one-on-one approach to brain training matters. Starting with our Cognitive Skills Assessments, here’s how we make sure to individualize our approach for each learner: 

• We build a unique training plan with their skills in mind. When it comes to reading, math, or studying challenges, different people struggle with different issues. By tailoring each program to each learner, we can work on more meaningful gains. 
• We pair learners with a brain training coach who knows them and their abilities. Repetition, practice, and intensity are all fundamental strategies for our brain training programs. Throughout each session, learners are supported by a brain trainer who knows them as well as their cognitive skills. That way, it’s easier for each student to stay motivated and on track. 
• We celebrate and champion neurodiversity. At LearningRx, we know that neurodiversity is a strength. Our individualized approach means we can always offer thoughtful, one-on-one support for students with cognitive differences, celebrating their existing abilities while helping them improve. 

What Are Cognitive Skills You Wish To Improve?

Cognitive skills are what help us understand, learn, process, and remember. Whether you’re seeking a program to support your learner or you wish to enhance your own abilities, you can always turn to LearningRx for dynamic, focused programs. Kids, teens, and adults—we welcome all ages to get started with an initial Cognitive Skills Assessment! 

What are the cognitive skills you wish to improve? To discuss your or your learner’s needs, just call LearningRx at 866-BRAIN-01—or visit us online to learn more.